Scheming

Matthew 21:25-6 - "The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from man?" And [the chief priests and elders] talked among themselves, saying, "If we were to say from heaven, he will ask why then did we not believe? But if we say from man, we are afraid of the crowd, for they hold him to be a prophet."

Scheming. Jesus asks their professional assessment about the origin of John's baptism. They are so morally bankrupt, they immediately discuss which answer will be best for them. It's not about what they think, it's about looking good and maintaining power. Of course, Jesus knows neither answer makes them look good, which was the point.

What a horrible way to live. Always having to check your words, always having to look behind you, always having to please the occupying Roman forces; never being able for even one moment to rest and relax for oneself. Everything they do is calculated to enhance their own reputation and power. Thus, they have pushed God out of their hearts and hardened them, leaving no room for love to enter or leave. A living hell, really.

Wait. Am I still talking about the chief priests and elders? Yes, and the Republican senators, congresspeople, judges, not to mention 45 himself. They, too, are morally bankrupt. They, too, are focused on policing others rather than helping the least of these (doing their job!). They, too, echo the talking points they think will keep them in power and enhance their reputation. They, too, are so consumed with rage and greed there's no room to love. Hell, indeed.

It's important to remember this. It may sound trite but hurt people really do hurt people. No one who is happy is going to try to harm others or look the other way when injustice is done. Somewhere in their past, these Republicans faced an obstacle that made trying to create their fantasy world preferable to living in the real one. I think we can all relate to that. I know I can. Yet, such a course leads to death of our spirits. We cannot flourish ourselves or help others flourish by trying to live in such a fantasy world.

Jesus knows this. He also knows his question offers the chief priests and the elders a momentary glimpse in their moral mirror. They tell themselves and us who they are in their discussion, "We're afraid of both God and the people." They're in a quandary. Getting out of this quandary will lead them either to life or death depending on their answer. It is their choice. Just as Republicans choose daily life or death. In fact, we all choose daily whether or not we will follow Jesus. Jesus does us the same favor he's doing for the temple rulers in this story; he offers us a glimpse in our own moral mirror. We always have the choice to do better.

Jesus commanded that we love our enemies, that we pray for their flourishing. That is tough to do. Yet, when we find common ground in our shared humanity, it becomes a little easier. We must continue to push back against unjust policies and actions, of course. Yet, like Jesus, we can do so with love (to the best of our ability).

What do I see in my moral mirror? Do I have the courage to accept it? Do I deny it or look away? What is God asking me to choose today? Can I recognize my shared humanity with my "enemies?"